Chris Duarte brings Texas blues to Chesterfield
Via ChrisDuarte.com
An artist’s lifetime is sometimes dictated by the heights they reach, the reaction they register or the body of work compiled during their working years.
Chris Duarte is certainly making a case for the body of work he’s produced, currently touring in support of his eleventh CD. With the release of his latest opus, ‘My Soul Alone’, Duarte is still reaching for new ground while also throwing out some of his best blues work to date. The maturity in the phrasing and melodic statements are a far cry from the raw days of his early releases.
This could only be achieved through relentless roadwork that allows the Texas bluesman to ply his trade and to work and rework melodic concepts he’s been performing for decades. “I can practice all day in my basement, but it’s a totally different ballgame when I get on stage. More of a physical dynamic is the currency I trade in when I’m playing live.”
The album starts off with a swinging blues with vocals more akin to 40’s big band. The rough and course voice is still there rather than a crooner’s touch, but he’s swinging the lines. The guitar solos are full bodied with just a touch of frenetic moments that Duarte is known for. ‘Show Me That You Want It’ sets a good tone for the opening salvo. Duarte goes on a blues and rock tour with this album that give nods to BB King, Howling Wolf, Black Keys, and Jimi Hendrix, among others.
In a time when most of our musical legends have been content to rest on their laurels and continue to mine familiar ground, it’s a pleasure to see an artist who continues to challenge himself to grow even after more than 20 years of being on the road and producing new music.
Not many artists have the energy to do that, and not many have the soul to pull it off.
Duarte performs live on Saturday night at the Chesterfield Live Music Club, 1225 Fourth St.
About the Author
Thomas Ritchie I love food, cycling, family, music, social media and especially Sioux City. Got an idea for a story - shoot me a note at siouxcitynow1@gmail.com.
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